19: move place!

Stepping out of the temporary settlement, the dust and scorched smell in the air had significantly faded. Although the ruins had not yet been completely cleared, the roads were mostly passable again.

School was out for five days, and the Novice Dungeon had been completed yesterday.

Looking at the crowded and crude environment of the settlement and his parents' weary faces, Lin Feng had only one thought.

He must get his parents out of here as soon as possible and find a safe and stable place to live.

Selling the magic crystal obtained yesterday at the exchange for starting capital was the first step in his plan.

Weiyang City's No. 7 Material Exchange was located on a relatively intact commercial street in the old city.

Most of the shops here had their doors and windows tightly shut, looking desolate, but the exchange was still lit, with two heavily armed and vigilant City Defense Force soldiers standing at the entrance.

The interior of the exchange was not small, but at the moment it appeared spacious and noisy.

Some Awakened Ones or mercenaries, dressed in various outfits and exuding a fierce aura, were piling all sorts of materials, weapons, and even damaged equipment on the counter, intensely haggling with stern-faced assessors in uniform.

The air was mixed with the smell of blood, metal, and sweat.

"Urgent Notice: Due to the beast siege and The Fallen's attack on this city, all types of combat supplies, energy crystals, medical supplies, and building materials are in extreme shortage! All acquisition prices are increased by 30% - 50%! Priority will be given to defensive and restorative items! All Awakened Ones are encouraged to provide resources to overcome this difficult time!"

A huge electronic screen on the wall scrolled a dazzling red announcement, and the broadcast repeatedly played similar content.

Lin Feng's heart sank. The impact of this disaster on Weiyang was far greater than he imagined, even the exchange had begun openly soliciting supplies.

He silently noted this information; it might be an opportunity.

When it was Lin Feng's turn, he walked to a relatively free window and pulled out the Black Iron Level 1 magic crystal from his inner pocket. The crimson crystal was very eye-catching.

The assessor was a middle-aged man wearing glasses. He took the magic crystal, placed it on a faintly glowing instrument for testing, then carefully examined its quality, and adjusted his glasses.

"Black Iron Level 1, high energy purity. Basic acquisition price, increased by 30% according to wartime regulations, 15,000 crystal coins."

Lin Feng frowned slightly. This price was a bit lower than he expected, even with the 30% increase.

He clearly remembered the four big words "extreme shortage" on the electronic screen.

"Officer."

Lin Feng spoke calmly, his voice not loud but clear.

"The announcement says priority acquisition, with prices increasing by 30% - 50%. Although my magic crystal is not high-level, its energy purity is high, and given the current situation in the city, every bit of energy is a valuable supply. How about 35,000 crystal coins?"

He pointed to the screen above his head.

The assessor looked up at Lin Feng's young yet steady face, then glanced at the magic crystal, seemingly weighing his options.

"20,000 crystal coins. Wartime supplies are tight, and I'm giving you a discount because you're a student."

"30,000."

Lin Feng stood his ground, his gaze fixed on the assessor.

"The City Defense Force urgently needs to replenish combat supplies. One more magic crystal might mean one less person sacrificed on the front line! This magic crystal is worth that price."

He cleverly invoked the greater good of the City Defense Force.

The assessor looked at Lin Feng's determined eyes, finally sighed, and typed a few commands on the keyboard.

"...Alright, 30,000. Young man, you're quite a negotiator. Take this slip and go collect your money over there."

"Thank you, Officer!"

Lin Feng's heart swelled with joy as he took the slip.

30,000 crystal coins!

Far exceeding his expectations! The wartime premium was indeed astonishing.

He carefully put away the thick stack of banknotes, still smelling of ink, feeling the burden on his shoulders grow heavier.

This money was the first step. Next, he needed to inquire about which communities had good environments and were safe, so his parents could move in as soon as possible.

To better understand the current situation and market in the city, especially information about relatively safe and well-maintained communities, Lin Feng decided to first visit places with high foot traffic.

After leaving the exchange, he walked along the main road towards the relatively prosperous and less damaged downtown area.

Along the way, he paid attention to real estate agency signs, though most were closed, and listened to conversations of passersby, especially topics about which areas were rebuilding quickly and had strong security.

Finally, he zeroed in on "Emerald Micro Garden" located in the west of the city.

It was originally a mid-range community with a sturdy architectural structure, suffering less damage in the disaster. Moreover, he heard that a small detachment of the City Defense Force was stationed nearby, ensuring relative safety.

Lin Feng headed straight to the Emerald Micro Garden property management center.

After explaining his purpose, a middle-aged man responsible for rental affairs received him.

Housing was tight, and prices were soaring.

Lin Feng settled on a two-bedroom apartment. Although not large, it was clean and tidy, with basic facilities intact.

"4,000 crystal coins a month, one month's deposit and six months' rent upfront. This is the lowest price!"

"Young man, in this market, finding a safe place to stay isn't easy."

The property manager said with a wry smile, spreading his hands.

Lin Feng didn't hesitate much; getting his parents out of the settlement as soon as possible was more important than anything. He readily counted out 28,000 crystal coins and signed a six-month rental contract.

After paying the rent, although he only had 2,000 crystal coins left, a heavy weight was lifted from his heart.

Clutching the keys and the contract, Lin Feng hurried back to the temporary settlement.

When he placed the house keys and 2,000 crystal coins into his parents' hands and told them he had rented a house in Emerald Micro Garden, his parents were stunned, and then their eyes welled up.

"Feng'er... This, how much money must this have cost?"

His mother's hands trembled as she touched the keys, her voice choked.

"We're fine living here. You, you just awakened, this is when you need money to buy resources to improve your strength! How can you spend all the money on us?"

His father also nodded repeatedly, his face full of worry.

"Yes, Feng'er, it's okay if your mom and dad suffer a bit. You should quickly take the money to buy some good equipment and go to the training ground..."

"Dad! Mom!"

Lin Feng interrupted them, his tone gentle but with an undeniable firmness.

"You don't need to worry about the money. This house is safe and close to school. I'll only be at ease if you live there."

"As for cultivation resources, I can handle it myself. Your son is an Awakened One now; he has that much capability."

He patted his parents' hands and pushed the remaining money forward again.

"You take this money to buy some food and necessities, and settle into the new home. Seeing you live well will give me more motivation to cultivate."

Looking at the steady light in his son's eyes and his undeniable resolve, the old couple exchanged glances and finally, with tears in their eyes, nodded with both relief and heartache.

The surrounding neighbors, witnessing this scene, cast envious glances.

"Old Lin's son is really promising. He just awakened and can already rent such a good house to bring his parents out..."

"Yes, look at their child, then look at ours..."

These glances and discussions added a sense of responsibility and motivation to Lin Feng's heart.

After settling his parents, watching them, though still a bit nervous in their new home, finally show long-lost relaxed smiles on their faces, a huge weight was lifted from Lin Feng's heart.

After accompanying his parents to their new home and reminding them to lock the door, Lin Feng turned to leave, his destination clear—Weiyang City Training Ground.

Although he was penniless now, he still wanted to familiarize himself with the training ground's situation in advance.